Exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method for efficiently varying the workout resistance for an exercise machine. The exercise machine adjustable resistance system and method generally includes a control unit in communication with a resistance adjustment system of an exercise machine and a biometric monitoring device used by an exerciser on the exercise machine. The control unit receives biometric data from the biometric monitoring device and sends a control signal to the resistance adjustment system to adjust the resistance of the exercise machine based on the biometric data received.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/588,953 filed on May 8, 2017 which issues as U.S. Pat. No. 9,776,043on Oct. 3, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/450,001 filed on Mar. 5, 2017 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,643,051,which a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/742,144 filed onJun. 17, 2015 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,586,089, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/013,032 filed Jun. 17,2014. Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and anyapplications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an exercise machine and morespecifically it relates to an exercise machine adjustable resistancesystem and method for efficiently varying the workout resistance for anexercise machine.

Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Contemporary Pilates apparatuses are well known throughout the fitnessindustry, and are generally comprised of a rectangular frame supportedon the floor at various points of contact about the rectangular frame.

The base structure of a Pilates apparatus supports an upper structurecomprised of two parallel rails aligned with the major length axis ofthe rectangular structure, and a slidable carriage thereupon that isattached to one end of the structure by springs or elastic bands thatproduce a resistance bias on the slidable carriage.

Exercises are performed by an exerciser by moving the slidable carriagealong the rails in a direction distal to the end of the apparatus towhich the fixed end of the resistance springs are attached. One or moreresistance springs create a workload against which therapeutic orfitness exercises can be safely and beneficially performed.

Traditional Pilates apparatuses typically provide for a plurality ofspring assemblies that may be removably attached between the slidablecarriage and the fixed end, with each spring being of a specified designto deliver a known force. As an example, six resistance springs, eachdelivering a constant K-factor of 15 pounds, may be installed on anapparatus. An exerciser therefore would engage one of the springs inorder to perform arm exercises against a 15 pound resistance force.

When the exerciser changes exercises to leg exercises, the exercisermust engage a multitude of additional springs since the 15 pound forcewould be inadequate resistance to apply an effective exercise workloadresistance to the much larger leg muscles. Therefore, the exerciser maymanually “hook up” or engage an additional three springs to create atotal workload resistance of 60 pounds.

This process of engaging and disengaging one or more springs to vary theworkout resistance force throughout a typical Pilates workout comprisedof multiple exercises has been practiced since the invention of thefirst Pilates apparatus nearly a century ago, and is well known to thoseskilled in the art.

One major deficiency of the resistance-changing process of contemporaryPilates apparatuses is that the process is time-consuming. Pilatesclasses are typically delivered during a fixed period of time to a groupof exercisers, each exercising on their respective apparatuses. It isimportant for all exercisers to start each of the many exercisestogether, and at the command of the Pilates instructor. As theinstructor calls for a change in exercise, all exercisers must stop,usually dismount the apparatus, quickly change resistance by engaging ordisengaging the correct springs, re-mount the apparatus, and readythemselves for the next exercise.

Exercisers with high experience will know what springs to engage ordisengage, and do so quickly. Inexperienced exercisers will strugglewith the mechanics of changing springs, and will not fully understandcolor coding related to springs of different K-factors, nor which of thesprings to engage or disengage. The inexperienced exerciser will requirethe personalized assistance of an instructor or fellow exerciser.

As can readily be seen, the act of changing springs between exercisescan cause considerable disruption and time delay, significantlydiminishing the available workout time available within the time limitsof fixed duration class.

Another disadvantage of the traditional spring-changing process is thatexercisers are unable to quickly change resistance settings to intensifythe workload effort of a given exercise. For instance, at the start ofan exercise period, an exerciser would typically “warm up” by performinga number of repetitions of a certain exercise against a comparativelylight resistance force. After a few minutes of warming up the workingmuscles, it would be preferable to increase the resistance to intensifythe exercise effort. Traditional Pilates apparatuses do not provide thecapability to change the resistance force during the performance of anexercise, and require the exerciser to stop and manually change springsas previously described.

Another disadvantage of contemporary Pilates apparatuses is thatexercisers oftentimes simply don't know the appropriate resistancesetting for a particular exercise, and inadvertently select too high, ortoo low of a workload resistance at the start. If the workloadresistance is too low, they stop after one or two repetitions, andre-set the springs to a higher workload.

On the other hand, if the set a starting workload resistance that is toohigh, the exerciser risks injury from overstressing muscles required toovercome the overly high spring resistance force the initially set.

Another disadvantage of contemporary Pilates apparatuses is that allspring settings must be manually adjusted. It is well known in thefitness industry that instructors, throughout the exercise period,frequently instruct the class to change exercises, to increase ordecrease the speed at which they should perform the exercises, andchange workload levels against which the exercise should be performed.There is presently no ability for an instructor to simultaneously changethe workload intensity of all apparatuses of all exercisers in theclass. This disadvantage results in a less beneficial workout for theexercisers who otherwise would realize a more intense exercise period.

Yet another significant disadvantage of traditional Pilates apparatusesis the inability of an exerciser to consistently work within a specifiedcardiovascular performance range. It is well known to those killed inthe art of fitness training that exercisers benefit most during anexercise period when the workload intensity throughout the period beginslow, ramps up significantly over a period of time, then tapers off asthe end of the workout period approaches. During the high intensityperiod, exercisers may work at 90 percent of their recommendedcardiovascular capacity.

Wearable digital activity tracking devices are well known, and arecapable of determining an exerciser's cardiovascular levels in realtime. As an example, a bicyclist monitoring their performance can use awearable activity tracking device to determine that they are onlyworking at 50% capacity, and in response, pedal harder until the deviceindicates that they are working at an 85% capacity.

Unfortunately, even if a Pilates exerciser is using a wearable activitytracking device, Pilates apparatuses all require the exerciser to stopand manually change spring resistance changes in order to intensifyworkload, thereby disrupting the flow of the exercise routine.Additionally, the stop-and-go process allows the cardiovascular systemto momentarily recover, negating many of the physiological benefitsrealized by continually ramping resistance throughout an exerciseroutine, thereby continually increasing cardiovascular capacity.

Therefore, those skilled in the art would recognize the significantadvantages of a new and novel Pilates apparatus providing for increasingor decreasing workout resistance on demand, and in real-time, withoutrequiring the exerciser to stop the exercise, thereby overcoming thedeficiencies of contemporary Pilates apparatuses requiring exercisers tomanually change resistance settings.

It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that aPilates apparatus as described would save resistance change-over timeduring an exercise class, and to the exerciser's delight, allocatingmore time to beneficial exercise. Delivering more fitness benefits tocustomers within a given time period is of significant commercial value.

Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a needfor a new and improved exercise machine adjustable resistance system andmethod for efficiently varying the workout resistance for an exercisemachine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is an exercise machine which includes a control unit incommunication with a resistance adjustment system of an exercise machineand a biometric monitoring device used by an exerciser on the exercisemachine. The control unit receives biometric data from the biometricmonitoring device and sends a control signal to the resistanceadjustment system to adjust the resistance of the exercise machine basedon the biometric data received.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe invention in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, beforeexplaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction or to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a system to electronically controlchanges in exercise resistance levels of an improved Pilates apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of various systems and methods ofinputting a control signal to control changes in exercise resistancelevels of an improved Pilates apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of various systems and methods ofchanging resistance levels in response to a resistance control signal ofan improved Pilates apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing analog and digital control signalinput methods.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing time-related work output of anexerciser based on resistance levels and performance time for a seriesof Pilates exercises.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing one variation of a system ofautomatically modifying the resistance levels of a Pilates apparatus inresponse to the exerciser's cardiovascular performance level.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a sequence of illustrations of anexerciser performing multiple repetitions of an exercise upon animproved Pilates apparatus.

FIG. 8a is an exemplary diagram showing the top view of a firstvariation of an improved Pilates apparatus.

FIG. 8b is an exemplary diagram showing the top view of a secondvariation of an improved Pilates apparatus.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing the operation one variation of asystem to automatically increase or decrease exercise resistance inreal-time during exercise an improved Pilates apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is an exercise machine adjustable resistance system andmethod, which comprises a control unit in communication with aresistance adjustment system of an exercise machine and a biometricmonitoring device used by an exerciser on the exercise machine. Thecontrol unit receives biometric data from the biometric monitoringdevice and sends a control signal to the resistance adjustment system toadjust the resistance of the exercise machine based on the biometricdata received. The resistance of the exercise machine may be adjusted byincreasing or decreasing the resistance of a resistance device 3 and/orby increasing or decreasing the incline of the exercise machine withrespect to a base (e.g. horizontally align the exercise machine forlimited resistance and inclined upwardly from a first end to a secondend of the exercise machine for increased resistance). The increase ordecrease of the incline of the exercise machine may be accomplished byone or more actuators that elevate the exercise machine accordingly.

The exercise machine of the present invention is preferably comprised ofa Pilates exercise machine as illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8 b of thedrawings. However, the exercise machine may be comprised of variousother types of exercise machines such as, but not limited to, a rowingmachine and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,095 to Sebastien Lagree andU.S. Pat. No. 8,641,585 to Sebastien Lagree illustrate exemplaryexercise machines suitable for usage herein and are incorporate byreference in their entirety.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a system to electronically controlchanges in exercise resistance levels of an improved Pilates apparatus.In FIG. 1, an exercise resistance setting control 1 is an input devicefor a Pilates exercise adjustment system. An exerciser (not shown)enters the desired level of resistance against which they want toexercise, the signal from the input resistance setting controlthereafter being communicated to a control unit 2 by means of acommunication control signal bus 4. The bus 4 may be a wireless or wiredcommunication link between the exercise resistance setting control 1 andcontrol unit 2. In its simplest form of function, the control unit 2processes the input signal so that a control unit 2 output communicateswith an resistance device 3 by means of an adjustment system bus 5. Thebus 5 may be a wireless or wired communication link between the controlunit 2 and resistance device.

It should be noted that the control unit 2 may perform functions beyondthe processing of the input control signal, including for example,referencing a table of resistance settings in a database, performing atime-based analysis of differences in resistance settings, or processingsignals for displaying resistance levels on a digital display device.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of various systems and methods ofinputting a control signal that controls changes in exercise resistancelevels of an improved Pilates apparatus. In the drawing, an exerciseresistance setting control 1 (e.g. a control signal processor) incommunication with a control unit 2 originates a control signal from oneof many optional control setting sources 20. Signal origination may begenerated by an exerciser interfacing with a manual resistance settingcontrol 21, for example, an analog dial, or digital input keypad,whereby an exerciser may specify the desired resistance level, typicallyexpressed in pounds or kilograms.

Further, the control signal may originate from a database of resistancesettings shown in the drawing as a preprogrammed resistance settingcontrol 22. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that access to adatabase would require that a query or instruction first be sent to adatabase, for instance, a “start” instruction. Although not shown, itwould also be well known that a user interface to the database would berequired to cause the database to generate a desired control signal.

Still further, a control signal may be caused to be generated by anautomatic resistance setting control 23. For example, an exerciser uponthe Pilates apparatus may be wearing a heart rate monitor thatcontinually monitors the exerciser's heart rate throughout the exerciseperiod. Although not shown, the heart rate monitor may be in wired orwireless communication with the control unit 2 and database previouslydiscussed. As the signal processor 2 receives a signal indicating thatthe exerciser's heart rate has changed, the signal processor 2 anddatabase look up the preprogrammed resistance level corresponding to theupdated heart rate data, and creates an output signal instructing aresistance level adjustment system to change the resistance level.

It is not the intention of the present invention to limit the controlsetting source to the examples just discussed. By way of example, themanual resistance setting control 21, preprogrammed resistance settingcontrol 22, and automatic resistance setting control 23, are shown toillustrate the wade range of methods and devices that may be used tooriginate a control signal that will cause a resistance adjustmentsystem of the present invention to change the resistance level acting onthe slidable carriage of a Pilates apparatus at any time that theresistance adjustment system receives the instruction from the signalprocessor 2.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of various systems and methods ofchanging resistance levels in response to a resistance control signal ofan improved Pilates apparatus. In the drawing, a resistance device 3(e.g. exercise resistance adjustment system) receives a signal from aprocessor 2, such signal directing a change in the resistance levelsetting of an improved Pilates apparatus. A plurality of resistancevariation means 30 are shown, including but not being limited to anelectromechanical latching mechanism 31, and eddy current brake 32, adashpot 33, and a resistance sensing means 34.

In the first example, the resistance adjustment system 3 may comprise anelectromechanically actuated latching mechanism 31. Typical Pilatesapparatuses provide for removably attachable springs affixed between afixed end of the apparatus, and a slidable carriage. Exercisers arecurrently required to stop exercising, dismount the apparatus, andmanually engage or disengage one or more springs between the apparatusstructure and slidable carriage, thereby increasing or decreasing theresistance workload against which the exerciser must work. Theelectromechanical latching mechanism 31 of the present inventioneliminates the need for an exerciser to manually perform a springchange, and in response to a control signal, automatically actuates amechanism that latches or unlatches one or more springs between theapparatus structure and slidable carriage. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that a great number of electrically actuated mechanicaldevices may be used to latch or unlatch a spring from a slidablecarriage, including cams, lifters, collets, and other well-knownmechanisms. The disclosure of an electromechanical latching andunlatching mechanism is not meant to be limiting, but by way of example,the mechanisms just described illustrate variations of the automaticlatching and unlatching system responsive to a control signal of thepresent invention.

As a second example, the resistance adjustment system 3 may comprise aneddy current brake 32. The use of eddy current brakes 32 in exerciseequipment, and specifically on stationary bicycles, is well known.However, eddy current brakes 32 have never before been applied toPilates apparatuses. Eddy current brakes 32 operate by creating eddycurrents through an electromagnetic induction rotor, thereby creatingresistance on a coil rotated at high speed between the plates of therotor. Eddy current brakes 32 may be of a linear structure where amagnetic yolk is used in place of a rotor, and electrical coils locatedalong the length of a rail. U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,900 to Leask disclosesan Eddy Current Braking System which is incorporated by referenceherein.

One problem with an eddy current brake 32 is that they are generallyinefficient at low speeds. Therefore, in the present invention, arotating eddy current brake 32 may be preferably used when a method ofaccelerating the rotational speed of a coil in response to force appliedby an exerciser on a slidable carriage is used. For example, theslidable carriage may be movably attached to a linear gear, such as agear rack, interacting with a pinion gear affixed to the rotationalshaft of the eddy current brake coil. In such a configuration, a slowlinear movement of the slidable carriage, and correspondingly the gearrack, would induce a disproportionately high rotational speed of thecoil of the eddy current brake 32.

The braking force of an eddy current brake 32 is changed by varying thecurrent passing through electromagnets. When applied to a novel Pilatesapparatus, current changes responsive to one or more control signalsreceived from a control unit 2 during performance of an exercise wouldchange the exerciser's resistance level in real time.

As a third example, variable resistance to a linear exercise force in aPilates apparatus may be created using a dashpot 33. A dashpot 33 is aterm used by those skilled in the art to describe a damper which resistslinear motion via friction of a viscous fluid damper, for instance, anhydraulic cylinder. A dashpot 33 generally comprises a cylindricalhousing, a piston positioned therein, and a viscous fluid that is movedfrom one side of the piston to the other through a canal at a controlledvelocity proportional to the linear force exerted on the piston ram. Theproportional resistance force created by a dashpot 33 acts in adirection opposite to the force and force velocity applied to it. Forinstance, a dashpot 33 affixed between a stationary end of a Pilatesapparatus, and the slidable carriage, would resist the force anexerciser applied to the slidable carriage in a direction opposite tothe fixed end of the dashpot 33. The resistance force of the dashpot 33created by viscous friction may be varied by regulating the size of anorifice, or valve opening, through which the viscous fluid transfersfrom one side of the piston to the other.

In the present invention, a valve control signal received from thecontrol unit 2 would instruct the valve to open, thereby reducing thefriction and resistance level, or to close, thereby increasing theresistance level. Dashpots 33 provide for smooth operation throughoutthe fluid transfer cycle, an added benefit in Pilates apparatuses thatare well known for allowing exercisers to exercise using smooth, lowimpact motion.

It should be noted that it is not the intention to require the use ofordinary or well known devices or systems just described, nor to limitthe use of any these or other known systems or mechanisms to varyexercise resistance in an improved Pilates apparatus, but rather toapply the use of well known resistance control means in response to theresistance control signal of the present invention, thereby causing areal-time resistance change of a Pilates apparatus at any time thecontrol signal is received by the resistance-changing device.

Further, one or more resistance sensing means 34, may be used to measurethe resistance force created by the resistance force means, andcommunicate the level of resistance force to a processor 2 for analysisto determine any required increase or decrease adjustment desired. As anexample, a pressure sensor on a dashpot 33 would measure the forceapplied to the piston, communicating the force level to a processor 2for analysis of the actual force against the intended force. Thereafter,the processor 2 will send an “open” or “close” signal to the frictionvalve as a means of respectively decreasing or increasing the resistancelevel to more closely match the intended resistance level.

Referring to a previously described example of the use of a rotationaleddy current brake 32, a rotational shaft strain gauge in communicationwith the rotational shaft of the eddy current coil may be used tomeasure the torque applied to the shaft. A processor 2 converting torquemeasurements into resistance measurements would programmaticallydetermine the instant level of resistance acting upon the slidablecarriage, and communicate a signal back to the eddy brake 32 to increaseor decrease braking force to thereby change the exercise resistancelevel in real time.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing analog and digital control signalinput methods. It is preferable that the system and method ofautomatically controlling the resistance of an improved Pilatesapparatus of the present invention provide a means of inputting adesired resistance level against which to perform an exercise.

Such inputting means may be an analog dial 40, otherwise known to thoseskilled in the art as an analog electronic dial controller. Analog dials40 may be indicating, or non-indicating. A non-indicating dial is aninputting device allowing an exerciser to turn the dial to the desiresresistance setting without feedback of the actual resistance that hasbeen set, or an indicating dial that receives a signal back from theresistance setting means indicating the actual resistance setting,thereby allowing an exerciser to modify the setting until the desiredresistance setting is actually realized.

A digital resistance setting keypad 41, also often referred to as acontroller keypad, may be used by an exerciser to input an exerciseresistance selection into an improved Pilates apparatus providing forreal-time changing of the exercise resistance level of the apparatus atany time throughout the exercise cycle. Controller keypads may useanalog keys for inputting a selection, or may incorporate various touchscreen technologies to allow for the inputting of one or more resistancesettings.

Controller keypads may be non-indicating, meaning that the keypad lacksa display means to indicate the actual resistance setting back to theexerciser after inputting the resistance selection. An indicating keypadmay provide for audible or visual information feedback via one or morespeakers, or one or more display screens.

The many variations of electronic circuits used in indicating andnon-indicating analog dials and controller keypads are well known, andit not the intention of the present invention to require the use of anyspecific circuit or signal processing means, but rather to illustratethat an analog electronic dial or keypad controllers may be reasonablyused as the input device by which an exerciser may input the desiredresistance setting of an improved Pilates apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing time-related work output of anexerciser based on resistance levels and performance time for a seriesof Pilates exercises.

Exercisers exercising on contemporary Pilates apparatuses are currentlyprovided no method of automatically changing the exercise resistancelevels during an exercise sequence performed on a Pilates apparatus. Onthe other hand, it is well known in the fitness industry that highintensity interval training, often referred to as “HIIT”, acceleratesweight loss, and increases metabolic function for a longer period oftime after completion of an exercise routine.

HIIT requires the exerciser to cyclically vary the intensity of theirexercise between moderate intensity, to high intensity, back to moderateor even low intensity, throughout an exercise period. As an example, anrunner practicing a HIIT running workout may jog for two minutes, thenimmediately sprint at a 90 percent of their cardiovascular maximum ratefor one minute, then return to jogging for another two minutes,thereafter repeating the cycle until finishing. This more efficientexercise method compares to a runner who may run at a 75 percent ofcardiovascular capacity through the exercise period.

Despite the overwhelming body of work validating the advantages of HIIT,the ability of structuring a HIIT routine based on varying the exerciseresistance level in real-time, throughout the performance of an exerciseroutine, has never before been possible on contemporary Pilatesapparatuses.

In the drawing, an exerciser may create a program, or select apre-programmed 45 minute long exercise routine 50 providing for aHIIT-based workout. A typical Pilates routine may include theperformance of more than one exercise in a sequence. In a database tablecontaining a list of different Pilates exercises, an exerciser mayselect a sequence that includes #132 as one exercise number 51, theactual number attributable to any given exercise being arbitrary, otherthan a designator to differentiate between exercises.

Further, the exerciser may select a time duration 52 (e.g. seconds,minutes, hours) during which to perform the exercise. It should be knownthat any time duration, or quantification of time, such as seconds orminutes may be used without departing from the system and method of thepresent invention.

Still further, a designated workload resistance in pounds 53 is selectedfor the selected exercise and time, thereby completing the time andintensity criteria for the selected exercise. It should be known thatany resistance level, or quantification of resistance, such as pounds orkilograms, may be used without departing from the system and method ofthe present invention.

By continuing the process for inputting exercise, duration andresistance level as just described for additional exercises to beperformed during the 45 minute exercise routine, an exerciser on aPilates apparatus, for the first time, may create an exercise routinethat automatically changes the resistance intensity, and the duration ofthe resistance, for one or more exercises of an exercise routine,without having to stop the routine to manually change resistancesettings.

When considering the 45 minute exercise period as a whole, the exerciseworkload intensity profile 54 will clearly indicate a variation orexercise intensity throughout the period. The workload curve during aroutine 55 illustrates a correlation between the workload resistance inpounds, and the performance duration of each exercise performed at thevariable workload resistance. The increasing and decreasing points onthe workload curve represent cyclical changes from moderate to highintensity exercise as prescribed for HIIT exercise routines.

As is shown in the fourth column, the tale recommends performance ofeach exercise in the sequence at certain heart rate levels, including aheart rate of 65% of the exerciser's maximum heart rate 56 for exercise132, as compared to lower heart rates for the exercises immediatelypreceding and succeeding exercise 132 in the exercise sequence.

Therefore, the present invention, for the first time, provides theadvantage of HIIT exercising on an improved Pilates apparatus byautomatically changing the exercise workload resistance in real-time,throughout the exercise routine, without the long-accepted tradition ofstopping the exercise routine, dismounting the apparatus to manuallychange spring resistance, remounting the apparatus, and re-starting anew exercise in the exercise routine sequence.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing one variation of a system ofautomatically modifying the resistance levels of a Pilates apparatus inresponse to the exerciser's cardiovascular performance level.

In the drawing, a representative exerciser 64 is shown performing anexercise upon a Pilates apparatus 60. The apparatus 60 comprises asubstantially stationary structure with a foot end 62, a slidablecarriage 63, and one or more resistance springs 61 removably connectedbetween the stationary foot end 62 and slidable carriage 63. Theexerciser 64 performs the exercise by using muscle force to overcome theforce of the resistance springs 61, thereby moving the slidable carriagein a direction opposite from the foot end 62.

As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, an exerciser 64moving the slidable carriage 63 connected to the foot end 62 by aplurality of springs 61 of equal spring tension will expend more energythan an exerciser 64 moving the slidable carriage 63 connected to thefoot end 62 with only one spring 61. Therefore, as can readily berealized, by increasing or decreasing the number of springs 61interconnected between the foot end 62 and slidable carriage 63, anexerciser 64 will respectively increase or decrease the intensity of thefitness workout.

The level of intensity with which an exerciser 64 is performing anexercise is reflected in the exerciser's cardiovascular performance,determined in part by heart rate and blood pressure. By means of awearable heart rate monitor 65, the exerciser 64 is provided withreal-time cardiovascular performance information. In the drawing, thereal time heart rate data 66 is shown as 102 beats per minute heartrate, and 122/85 blood pressure.

As a reference point, the maximum heart rate for an individual, andtherefore generally considered by those skilled in the art to beequivalent to 100% of an exerciser's heart rate, is often determined bysubtracting the exerciser's age from the number 220. Therefore, if therepresentative exerciser 64 is a 40 year old male, his maximum heartrate could be determined by the formula (220−40)=100% heart rate. Themaximum heart rate would therefore be approximately 180 beats perminute.

As can be seen in the heart rate table 67, representative of a heartrate table for a 40 year old male, the 90% target heart rate and workintensity 68 requires the exerciser's heart rate to reach 162 beats perminute. Referring back to the representative actual heart rate 66 of 102beats per minute, it can be readily determined that the resistance levelof the apparatus must increase in order to force the exerciser to workharder, and therefore increase the heart rate to 162.

In the drawing, a wearable heart rate monitor 65 in wired or wirelesscommunication with the electronic resistance adjustment system 3 of thepresent invention, acts as, or sends a signal to the resistance settinginput device not shown. As previously described, the resistance settinginput means is in communication with the control unit 2 that willdetermine the appropriate resistance setting.

The drawing further illustrates one variation of the control signalprocesser 2 incorporating a database containing one or more heart ratetables 67, and more specifically, a heart rate table 67 representingstandard heart rate workloads for a 40 year old male.

Having previously entered, or selected an exercise routine as describedin FIG. 5, with the recommended 90% of maximum heart rate selected forthe instant exercise being performed by the representative exerciser 64,the control unit 2, in communication with the heart rate table 67,determines that the exerciser 64 is working against too low of aresistance force, and communicates a signal 5 to the resistanceadjustment system 3 to increase the resistance level of the apparatus60.

By actuating one of the previously described mechanisms to automaticallyadjust the resistance of the Pilates apparatus 60 shown in the drawing,the mechanism will attach one or more additional springs 61 to theslidable carriage 63, thereby increasing the workload, and subsequentlythe exerciser's heart rate.

In real-time, the wearable heart rate monitor 65 will continually updatethe control unit 2 of the actual heart rate, and by repeating theprocess just described, increase or decrease the spring resistance sothat the exerciser's heart rate remains at the correct performance levelthroughout the exercise routine as prescribed by the exerciser'sinputted exercise routine program at the beginning of the exerciseroutine.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a sequence of illustrations of anexerciser performing multiple repetitions of an exercise upon animproved Pilates apparatus.

In the sequence, a simplified sequence shows a representative exerciser64 performing an exercise upon an improved Pilates apparatus 60comprising a stationary foot end 62, a slidable carriage 63 and one ormore resistance springs 61 removably attachable between the foot end 62and slidable carriage 63.

In STEP 1, the heart rate data at rest 70 which reflects real-time datareceived from a wearable heart rate monitor 65 is displayed on a displayscreen of an improved Pilates apparatus 60 before the exerciser 64begins exercising.

STEP 2 shows the exerciser 64 after having completed the primary workcycle of the first repetition of ten cycles by exerting a force F1against the existing resistance setting of the apparatus. As can bereadily seen by the information displayed upon the display screen 71,the exerciser's heart rate has increased by 4 beats per minute comparedto the resting heart rate 70.

In STEP 3, at the end of the first cycle, the exerciser 64 momentarilystops exercising while transitioning from moving in a direction towardsthe foot end 62, to moving away from the foot end 62 to start the secondcycle of the ten cycles.

The wearable heart rate monitor 65, being in communication with theelectronically adjustable resistance system and method of the presentinvention as previously described, but not shown, immediately determinesthe heart rate data at rest after first cycle 72 as 110 beats perminute, confirming that increased workload is immediately required inorder to quickly get the exerciser's performance up to a higher targetedheart rate. The resistance device 3 responds by attaching one or moreadditional springs 73 between the foot end 62 of the apparatus 60 andthe slidable carriage 63.

STEP 4 shows the exerciser 64 completing the primary workload cycle ofthe second cycle, this time exerting a higher force F2 against theincreased resistance created by the addition of spring tension justdescribed. The display of the heart rate data during second cycle 74shows that the exerciser's heart rate has increased to 122 beats perminute in response to the automatically increased workload.

Therefore, but understanding the process as generally described in theforegoing sequence, it can be readily appreciated that the new and novelsystem and method of automatically changing the resistance setting of aPilates apparatus provides the benefit of establishing and maintainingpreferred heart rates corresponding to targeted variable intensityexercises throughout an exercise routine that were never beforepossible.

FIGS. 8a and 8b are exemplary drawings showing the top view of twovariations of an improved Pilates apparatus. As will be readilyappreciated, the electronically adjustable resistance system 3 andmethod of the present invention may comprise various electrical,electronic, electromechanical, electromagnetic, and mechanical devices,systems and components not used in traditional Pilates apparatuses.Therefore, accommodations to incorporate the additional components intoan improved Pilates apparatus must be reasonably made.

In the top drawing, two parallel sliding rails 80 extend substantiallythe longitudinal dimension of a Pilates apparatus 60 between the footend 62 and head end 86. A cut-away top view of a slidable carriage 63with a spring assembly latch 81 affixed thereto is shown with the pullknobs of engaged spring assemblies 82 removably latched to the springsassembly latch 81.

An spring assembly docking station 84 is shown affixed to the stationarystructure, by means of pull knobs of idle spring assemblies 83,retaining two springs 61 not currently latched to the slidable carriage.

An resistance device 3, in response to a signal from a control unit 2(not shown), provides for latching the pull knobs of one or more idlespring assemblies 83 to the spring assembly catch 81, thereby increasingthe resistance force on the slidable carriage 63, and alternatively, inresponse to a signal from a control unit 2 (not shown), provides forunlatching the pull knobs of one or more pull knobs of engaged springassembly 82, thereby decreasing the resistance force on the slidablecarriage 63.

A component housing 87 is affixed to the structure of a traditionalPilates apparatus 60, the housing 87 containing various components asjust described as may be required for any variation of an electronicallyadjustable resistance system and method of the present invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the importance of minimizingexerciser contact with any of the operational components of anelectronically adjustable resistance system thereby minimizing risk ofinjury to the exerciser 64, as well as minimizing the potential for anexerciser 64 to damage any of the operational components of the system.Therefore, it is preferable to fully enclose as much of thecommunication, electrical, control, processor and resistance changingmeans as practicable.

In a variation of an improved Pilates apparatus 60, in the lowerdrawing, the parallel rails 80 are replaced by an enclosed monorailsupport for a slidable carriage 85, the enclosed monorail therebyenclosing one or more resistance springs 61, a spring assembly dockingstation 84 retaining the pull knobs of one or more idle springassemblies 83, and one or more pull knobs of engaged spring assemblies82 latched to the springs assembly latch 81.

It should be noted that disclosure of resistance springs 61 is not meantto be limiting, and the enclosed monorail support may house a dashpot33, eddy current brake 32, or other known means of variably creating aresistance force upon the slidable carriage 63 of a Pilates apparatus60.

Now, understanding the plurality of components and systems required ofthe present invention, such components and systems may be mounted andenclosed within the enclosed monorail support for a slidable carriage85. In FIG. 8b , possible component mounting areas 88 provide for theefficient placement of a plurality of components, including at theopposed ends of the structure of the improved Pilates apparatus 60. Morenotably, the various resistance inducing means previously describedrequire the use of one or more electrical wires, high pressure hydraulichoses or plumbing which may be required to traverse substantially thelength of the apparatus.

As can be appreciated, running wires, plumbing or hoses substantiallythe length of a traditional Pilates apparatus 60 would necessarilyexpose the wires, plumbing or hoses to damage.

Therefore, the advantages of a monorail enclosure to house all of thecomponents of an electronically adjustable resistance system can beimmediately recognized by those skilled in the art, and readilyappreciated by exercisers 64 using the improved apparatus 60.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing the operation one variation of asystem to automatically increase or decrease exercise resistance inreal-time during exercise an improved Pilates apparatus.

More specifically, the drawing illustrates, in four simplified steps,one example of one process of automatically latching a resistance springassembly between a stationary Pilates structure, and a slidable carriagemounted thereupon.

In STEP 1, a slidable carriage 63 is moved along sliding rails or amonorail. As can be seen, there are no spring assemblies latched to thesprings assembly latch 81, and correspondingly no resistance force isapplied to the slidable carriage 63. A spring 61 and pull knob 83,together comprising an unlatched, and therefore “idle” spring assembly,is retained by an idle spring assembly carrier 90 affixed to a dockingstation support structure 93 by means of an axle not shown at thecarrier pivoting means 92, and an actuator 91 (e.g. a carrier liftingsolenoid). In the drawing, the slidable carriage 63 is being movedlinearly in a direction towards the fixed end of the apparatus 60 (notshown).

In STEP 2, the slidable carriage 63 having been moved until it stopswith the springs assembly latch 81 being substantially aligned above theidle spring carrier 90, the substantially vertically alignedrelationship between the latch 81 and carrier 90 thereby providing forthe transfer of the spring assembly from its idle position, to an activeposition affixed to the assembly latch of the slidable carriage 63.

In STEP 3, in response to a resistance control signal input device (notshown), the control unit 2 communicates a control signal through a bus 5or wirelessly to a receiver that thereby actuates the actuator 91,pivoting the carrier 90 about the pivoting means 92, until the foot endside of the pull knob is in communication head end surfaces of both theidle spring carrier 90 and the springs assembly latch 81. The lifting ofthe carrier 90 into a position so that the transfer of the springassembly from the carrier 90 to the springs assembly latch 81 can bepractically instantaneous.

Now, in STEP 4, it can readily be seen that as the slidable carriage 63moves in a direction opposite from the foot end 62 of the apparatus 60,retention of the pull knob of engaged spring assembly 82 is made by thespring assembly catch of the slidable carriage 63, thereby transferringthe force of the spring resistance from the idle spring assembly carrier90 to the slidable carriage 63.

Further, in response to a control signal 5 from a control unit 2, theactuator 91 lowers the idle spring carrier 90 until such time as asubsequent signal instructs the carrier 90 to lift in order to removethe pull knob 83 from the springs assembly latch 81, thereby reducingthe resistance force on the slidable carriage 63.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the innumerablemechanisms, systems and processes to cause an automatic change of theexercise resistance levels in response to a control input on theimproved Pilates apparatus during exercise are not meant to be limiting,and to describe every possible known system or process to accomplish anautomatic resistance change would be exhaustive and burdensome, butwould nevertheless reinforce the novelty, usefulness and commercialvalue of the present invention.

Further, it will be appreciated that the electronically adjustableresistance system and method of the present invention, for the firsttime, provides for more beneficial exercising as a result of eliminatinginterruptions to an exercise routine to change resistance settings, andmore importantly, provides for optimization of the exerciser's exercisetime by allowing the exerciser to increase and decrease the HIITexercise intensity throughout the exercise routine as is well known tothose in the fitness industry.

Still further, it will be appreciated by exercisers and Pilatesinstructors alike, that for the first time, the system and method of theimproved Pilates apparatus of the present invention provides forpre-programming different resistances correlating to different Pilatesexercises that will be performed in a routine, thereby eliminating thestart-stop-re-start sequence between different exercises performed on atraditional Pilates apparatus.

Various aspects of specific embodiments are disclosed in the followingdescription and related drawings. Alternate embodiments may be devisedwithout departing from the spirit or the scope of the presentdisclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodimentswill not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscurerelevant details. Further, to facilitate an understanding of thedescription, a discussion of several terms used herein follows.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments” isnot exhaustive and does not require that all embodiments include thediscussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The word “resistance” is used herein to mean a weight equivalent forcethat an exerciser upon a Pilates apparatus must overcome in order tomove a slidable carriage in a direction opposite to the direction of theforce. Resistance in an exercise apparatus may be created by use ofsprings (including elastic bands, metal springs, plastic springs),viscous fluid dampeners, eddy current brakes, friction blocks, or avariety of other electrical, electromechanical, hydraulic,electromagnetic means well known to those skilled in the art. It is notthe objective of the present invention to be limited to known systems ormethods of creating a resistance force, but rather to teach a novelmethod of controlling the resistance force change in an improved Pilatesapparatus.

Therefore, as used herein, references may be made to the use of“springs”, “brakes” or other methods just described, with no differencein meaning from “resistance”. The broadest interpretation of“resistance” inducing methods should be made.

Control circuits are well known to those skilled in the art. It shouldbe noted that it is not the objective of the present invention to limitthe architecture or function of a control system of any particularcontrol system design or method, but rather to broadly describe theapplicability of control systems when used to change the exerciseresistance level of a Pilates apparatus during the performance of anexercise. The broadest interpretation should be given to control systemsas they may apply to controlling a variable resistance in an Pilatesapparatus.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof,and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilizedwithin the description are for convenience only and have no legal orlimiting effect.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An exercise machine system, comprising: anexercise machine having a frame, a moving member movably positioned withrespect to the frame and a resistance adjustment device selectivelyconnectable to the moving member, wherein the moving member is movablebetween a first position and a second position and wherein theresistance adjustment device provides a resistance level to the movingmember along at least a first direction of movement of the movingmember; a biometric monitoring device adapted to be connected to anexerciser, wherein the biometric monitoring device is configured tomonitor a biometric state of the exerciser; and a control unit incommunication with the resistance adjustment device of the exercisemachine and the biometric monitoring device, wherein the control unitreceives biometric data from the biometric monitoring device relating tothe biometric state of the exerciser and wherein the control unit sendsa control signal to the resistance adjustment device to adjust theresistance level of the resistance adjustment device based on thebiometric data received; wherein the resistance adjustment device iscomprised of a plurality of resistance devices that are selectivelyconnectable to the moving member, wherein the resistance adjustmentdevice increases a number of the plurality of resistance devices of theresistance adjustment device that are connected to the moving memberwhen the control unit signals an increase in the resistance level andwherein the resistance adjustment device decreases a number of theplurality of resistance devices of the resistance adjustment device thatare connected to the moving member when the control unit signals adecrease in the resistance level.
 2. The exercise machine system ofclaim 1, wherein the biometric monitoring device is comprised of a heartrate monitor that measures a heart rate of an exerciser.
 3. The exercisemachine system of claim 1, wherein the moving member is comprised of acarriage movably positioned upon the frame.
 4. The exercise machinesystem of claim 1, wherein the control unit automatically changes theresistance level of the resistance adjustment device in real-timethroughout the exercise routine to achieve a desired biometric state ofthe exerciser.
 5. The exercise machine system of claim 4, wherein thedesired biometric state is comprised of a desired percentage of amaximum heartrate for the exerciser.
 6. The exercise machine system ofclaim 5, wherein the control unit increases the resistance level of theresistance adjustment device if a current heartrate of the exerciser isbelow the desired percentage of the maximum heartrate for the exerciser.7. The exercise machine system of claim 6, wherein the control unitdecreases the resistance level of the resistance adjustment device if acurrent heartrate of the exerciser is above the desired percentage ofthe maximum heartrate for the exerciser.
 8. The exercise machine systemof claim 1, wherein the resistance adjustment device is comprised of anelectromechanical latching and unlatching mechanism.
 9. The exercisemachine system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality ofresistance devices is comprised of an eddy current brake.
 10. Theexercise machine system of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of resistance devices is comprised of a dashpot.
 11. Theexercise machine system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resistancedevices are each comprised of a spring.
 12. The exercise machine systemof claim 1, wherein the plurality of resistance devices are eachcomprised of a brake.
 13. The exercise machine system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of resistance devices are electromechanical orelectromagnetic.
 14. The exercise machine system of claim 1, including aresistance input device in communication with the control unit, whereinthe exerciser may manually input a desired resistance level for theresistance adjustment device via the resistance input device.
 15. Theexercise machine system of claim 1, including a resistance sensorconnected to the resistance adjustment device to measure the resistancelevel, wherein the resistance sensor is in communication with thecontrol unit.
 16. A method of using the exercise machine system of claim1, comprising: performing a first exercise on the exercise machine bythe exerciser; monitoring the biometric state of the exerciser by thebiometric monitoring device during the step of performing the firstexercise; communicating the biometric state of the exerciser to thecontrol unit; and adjusting the resistance level based on the biometricstate of the exerciser.
 17. An exercise machine system, comprising: anexercise machine having a frame, a moving member movably positioned withrespect to the frame and a resistance adjustment device selectivelyconnectable to the moving member, wherein the moving member is movablebetween a first position and a second position and wherein theresistance adjustment device provides a resistance level to the movingmember along at least a first direction of movement of the movingmember; a biometric monitoring device adapted to be connected to anexerciser, wherein the biometric monitoring device is configured tomonitor a biometric state of the exerciser and wherein the biometricmonitoring device is comprised of a heart rate monitor that isconfigured to measure a heart rate of an exerciser; and a control unitin communication with the resistance adjustment device of the exercisemachine and the biometric monitoring device; wherein the control unitreceives biometric data from the biometric monitoring device relating tothe biometric state of the exerciser; wherein the control unit sends acontrol signal to the resistance adjustment device to adjust theresistance level of the resistance adjustment device based on thebiometric data received; wherein the control unit is configured toautomatically change the resistance level of the resistance adjustmentdevice in real-time throughout the exercise routine to achieve a desiredbiometric state of the exerciser; wherein the control unit increases theresistance level of the resistance adjustment device if a currentheartrate of the exerciser is below the desired percentage of themaximum heartrate for the exerciser and wherein the control unitdecreases the resistance level of the resistance adjustment device if acurrent heartrate of the exerciser is above the desired percentage ofthe maximum heartrate for the exerciser; wherein the resistanceadjustment device is comprised of a plurality of resistance devices thatare selectively connectable to the moving member, wherein the resistanceadjustment device increases a number of the plurality of resistancedevices of the resistance adjustment device that are connected to themoving member when the control unit signals an increase in theresistance level and wherein the resistance adjustment device decreasesa number of the plurality of resistance devices of the resistanceadjustment device that are connected to the moving member when thecontrol unit signals a decrease in the resistance level.
 18. A method ofusing the exercise machine system of claim 17, comprising: performing afirst exercise on the exercise machine by the exerciser; monitoring thebiometric state of the exerciser by the biometric monitoring deviceduring the step of performing the first exercise; communicating thebiometric state of the exerciser to the control unit; and adjusting theresistance level based on the biometric state of the exerciser.
 19. Anexercise machine system, comprising: an exercise machine having a frame,a moving member movably positioned with respect to the frame and aresistance adjustment device selectively connectable to the movingmember, wherein the moving member is movable between a first positionand a second position and wherein the resistance adjustment deviceprovides a resistance level to the moving member along at least a firstdirection of movement of the moving member; a biometric monitoringdevice adapted to be connected to an exerciser, wherein the biometricmonitoring device is configured to monitor a biometric state of theexerciser and wherein the biometric monitoring device is comprised of aheart rate monitor that is configured to measure a heart rate of anexerciser; a control unit in communication with the resistanceadjustment device of the exercise machine and the biometric monitoringdevice; wherein the control unit receives biometric data from thebiometric monitoring device relating to the biometric state of theexerciser; wherein the control unit sends a control signal to theresistance adjustment device to adjust the resistance level of theresistance adjustment device based on the biometric data received;wherein the control unit is configured to automatically change theresistance level of the resistance adjustment device in real-timethroughout the exercise routine to achieve a desired biometric state ofthe exerciser; wherein the desired biometric state is comprised of adesired percentage of a maximum heartrate for the exerciser; wherein thecontrol unit increases the resistance level of the resistance adjustmentdevice if a current heartrate of the exerciser is below the desiredpercentage of the maximum heartrate for the exerciser and wherein thecontrol unit decreases the resistance level of the resistance adjustmentdevice if a current heartrate of the exerciser is above the desiredpercentage of the maximum heartrate for the exerciser; wherein theresistance adjustment device is comprised of a plurality of resistancedevices that are selectively connectable to the moving member, whereinthe resistance adjustment device increases a number of the plurality ofresistance devices of the resistance adjustment device that areconnected to the moving member when the control unit signals an increasein the resistance level and wherein the resistance adjustment devicedecreases a number of the plurality of resistance devices of theresistance adjustment device that are connected to the moving memberwhen the control unit signals a decrease in the resistance level; and aresistance sensor connected to the resistance adjustment device tomeasure the resistance level, wherein the resistance sensor is incommunication with the control unit to provide data relating to theresistance level of the resistance adjustment device to the controlunit.
 20. A method of using the exercise machine system of claim 19,comprising: performing a first exercise on the exercise machine by theexerciser; monitoring the biometric state of the exerciser by thebiometric monitoring device during the step of performing the firstexercise; communicating the biometric state of the exerciser to thecontrol unit; and adjusting the resistance level based on the biometricstate of the exerciser.